This medication works by slowing bone loss. This effect helps maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones (fractures). Alendronate belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.

How to use Fosamax Tablet

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking alendronate and each time you get a refill. Follow the instructions very closely to make sure your body absorbs as much drug as possible and to reduce the risk of injury to your esophagus. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth once a day, after getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage, or other medication. Take it with a full glass (6-8 ounces or 180-240 milliliters) of plain water. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew or suck on it. Then stay fully upright (sitting, standing, or walking) for at least 30 minutes and do not lie down until after your first food of the day. Alendronate works only if taken on an empty stomach. Wait at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking the medication before you eat or drink anything other than plain water.

Do not take this medication at bedtime or before rising for the day. It may not be absorbed and you may have side effects.

Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins, antacids, coffee, tea, soda, mineral water, calcium-enriched juices, and food can decrease the absorption of alendronate. Do not take these for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking alendronate.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each morning. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of long-term use of this medication.

Side Effects

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: jaw/ear pain, increased or severe bone/joint/muscle pain, new or unusual hip/thigh/groin pain, swelling of joints/hands/ankles/feet, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

This medication may rarely cause serious irritation and ulcers of the esophagus. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking alendronate and talk to your doctor or pharmacist right away: new or worsening heartburn, chest pain, pain or difficulty when swallowing.

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Precautions

Before taking alendronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Some people taking alendronate may have serious jawbone problems. Your doctor should check your mouth before you start this medication. Tell your dentist that you are taking this medication before you have any dental work done. To help prevent jawbone problems, have regular dental exams and learn how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you have jaw pain, tell your doctor and dentist right away.

Before having any surgery (especially dental procedures), tell your doctor and dentist about this medication and all other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Your doctor or dentist may tell you to stop taking alendronate before your surgery. Follow all instructions about stopping or starting this medication.

This drug is not recommended for use in children. Studies have shown that many children who took this drug had severe side effects such as vomiting, fever, and flu-like symptoms.

Caution is advised if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future. Alendronate may stay in your body for many years. Its effects on an unborn baby are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment with alendronate.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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Interactions

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

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Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe stomach pain, painful heartburn, pain in the esophagus (chest pain), muscle weakness/cramps, mental/mood changes.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (X-rays, height measurement, blood mineral levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time the following day. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.Information last revised July 2018. Copyright(c) 2018 First Databank, Inc.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.